Campteq or similar options for 100 series

[mcgaskins]

I think the biggest reason for wanting it is that it would encourage us to go from 1-2 camping trips per year to...well a few more I've seen the Wrangler J30 tops in person and their functionality is pretty incredible. Part of the reason I think it would be cool to do it is that it hasn't been done yet on a 100, and I think a permanent option would be lower profile than a rack and RTT. The clearance at my office garage would be tight if not impossible by an inch or two with even a low profile RTT.

 

[mcqueenracing]

I love the sportsmobile solution and the years of development that have gone in to it: Penthouse Pop Top + Custom Van Conversion + Chevy + Ford E-Van - https://sportsmobile.com/penthouse-top/

Just adding to the list of dreamers, I doubt I'd ever spring for both (1) the cost of a sportsmobile unit + a custom 100 series base to fit it, and (2) making the leap to chopping up a perfectly good vehicle, but that doesn't stop me from thinking a lot about how much I want something like this!

 

[ihugmyself]

I've had this in mind for years, I've looked into the rigidity concern and am honestly clueless.

I have a composites shop at my disposal and a few years composites experience, and a good friend who can industrial sow the canvas.

I plan to take the leap next year, maybe this year if there's enough interest.

My 100 is a rust bucket, it'll never be what I want it to be, which makes it a great donor in my opinion. Once its done I'd gladly have you guys come flex it and share your feedback.

I'm curious to know, I've heard some of you say you want to be able to stand back there, obviously a bed platform.

So ideally a triangle shape is what is desired? It'll result in the most height gain, I'm still doubtful a tall person would be able to stand back straight. The higher you go the more irritating the wind and weather will be. I'm 6'4 and I can barely lay on the roof of my 100.

Would you guys be more inclined to a DIY kit or installations?


I've thought about mounting options and that likely leaving the roof rack gutters a good place to frame off and attach to, with riveting brackets near front and back if necessary.

The triangle shape or flat raised is the biggest concern for shaping the top that goes on, my 100 has SRS airbags that I intend on leaving in as well.

See one of my comments for a quick 3d mock up I did for the full roof pop, I like that shape and it would allow for a roof rack if power raising was implemented at a later date(actuators).


Edit:
Editing in the 3d photo, looking at it, the x braces will work better without actuators, and would be more centered.

Also for the rigidity concern maybe some eye and eye turnbuckles attached to brackets riveted on the roof would be helpful(across the opening), could be taken off for camp.

 

[Live to Ski]

As I understand it (no direct knowledge), the airbag system detrimentally complicates cutting the roof. Believe this is relevant to the later 100 series years.

 

[ihugmyself]

Shouldn't really be in the way, just disconnect battery for a day or so before the sawing, might break your cabinets if its deployed but the OG headliner will be used still, shouldn't get in the way if designed right.

I'm even thinking of doing the pop top, seeing how the rigidity is affected, if another version is necessary I'm willing to sell the 100 and get another, do a v2, as long as the original pop top mold is still usable, that's where the majority of the first time production cost is.

That's why it's important to lock in deciding the triangle shape or whole roof pop.

 

[AlpineAccess]

I've had this in mind for years, I've looked into the rigidity concern and am honestly clueless.

I have a composites shop at my disposal and a few years composites experience, and a good friend who can industrial sow the canvas.

I plan to take the leap next year, maybe this year if there's enough interest.

My 100 is a rust bucket, it'll never be what I want it to be, which makes it a great donor in my opinion. Once its done I'd gladly have you guys come flex it and share your feedback.

I'm curious to know, I've heard some of you say you want to be able to stand back there, obviously a bed platform.

So ideally a triangle shape is what is desired? It'll result in the most height gain, I'm still doubtful a tall person would be able to stand back straight. The higher you go the more irritating the wind and weather will be. I'm 6'4 and I can barely lay on the roof of my 100.

Would you guys be more inclined to a DIY kit or installations?


I've thought about mounting options and that likely leaving the roof rack gutters a good place to frame off and attach to, with riveting brackets near front and back if necessary.

The triangle shape or flat raised is the biggest concern for shaping the top that goes on, my 100 has SRS airbags that I intend on leaving in as well.

See one of my comments for a quick 3d mock up I did for the full roof pop, I like that shape and it would allow for a roof rack if power raising was implemented at a later date(actuators).

DIY and flat raised, triangle doesn't provide enough room to stand up

 

[TreatSmash]

Shouldn't really be in the way, just disconnect battery for a day or so before the sawing, might break your cabinets if its deployed but the OG headliner will be used still, shouldn't get in the way if designed right.

View attachment 3323615


I'm even thinking of doing the pop top, seeing how the rigidity is affected, if another version is necessary I'm willing to sell the 100 and get another, do a v2, as long as the original pop top mold is still usable, that's where the majority of the first time production cost is.

That's why it's important to lock in deciding the triangle shape or whole roof pop.

Did anything ever come of this?